This funky old mercado is a landmark on Flagler Avenue. Don't be put off by outside appearances! The people are warm and friendly and you'll be glad you stopped.

Jorge: Walk into any small store or restaurant in Miami and you're going to find a real treat: tamales.

Glenn: Let's face it, you can hardly go anywhere in Miami without seeing tamales on the menu. They are a great appetizer or side dish and three make a very filling meal all by themselves.

Raúl: Cuban tamales are quite different from their Mexican cousins.

Jorge: For one thing, they are not spicy!

Glenn: Like most Cuban food, Cuban tamales are highly spiced but NOT SPICY HOT.

Jorge: A good Cuban tamal is made with freshly ground corn and the meat (pieces of ham or pork) is mixed into the dough.

Glenn: Tamales can be purchased very cheaply. Most families in Miami don't make their own because it's so much easier to buy them.

Jorge: We've eaten thousands of tamales from all over Miami.

Raúl: But there is one place in Miami that makes the best tamales: the Latin American Market. We've been buying tamales here for years.

Glenn: People come to this small grocery from all over Miami.

Jorge: The prices are very cheap.

Glenn: And the tamales are to die for, with just the right combination of spices to produce a tamal that is rich and full of fresh corn flavor.

Raúl: To get a better tamal in Miami, you'd have to visit the Three Guys From Miami!

Jorge: They have a small stand-up counter for those who want to eat their tamales now. As good as these are, we can't blame anyone for being in a hurry!

Jorge: Here's a tip: If you are visiting Miami, pick up a box of tamales to bring home. You can freeze them and they'll keep for months.

Raúl: Thaw a few in the microwave or you can steam a larger quantity.

Glenn: Josu don't boil them. You'll leach all the flavor and essential oil out!

Reader Response:

"None of my friends would believe me when I said that Latin American Market had the best tamales and guarapó in town (after my abuela, of course). Now I have your website to prove I was not crazy..."